We now enter Week 22, which is the final week of the regular season for Yahoo! fantasy baseball. I have secured a playoff spot in two leagues and am hanging on for dear life in another. The ironic thing is that in my fourth league, where I currently reside in 11th place, I thought I had my best draft. It just goes to show you that fantasy baseball is not won in the draft room.

OFFENSE

Ryan Howard (1B), Philadelphia Phillies

Howard was the leader in home runs (5) and RBI (12) as part of his 11-hit week. Howard is once again enjoying a stellar second half by hitting .290 or higher in July and August and he has blasted 11 home runs during the past month.

Kendry Morales (1B, RF), L.A. Angels

Morales continues to impress by hitting three home runs and knocking in 11 RBI. Congrats to Morales who reached the 30-HR mark this past week and has made me sorry for dropping him five months ago.

Ian Kinsler (2B), Texas Rangers

Let’s get some speed on this list. In addition to his two home runs and five RBI, Kinsler swiped a league-best four stolen bases. He just needs two more homers and two more stolen bases to give himself a 30-30 season.

Chase Utley (2B), Philadelphia Phillies

Still the best 2B on the planet, Utley launched three solo home runs while hitting .357. Utley needs one more HR for his third 30-HR season for the past four years. Also, Utley stole his 16th base to tie his career-high.

Derek Jeter (SS), New York Yankees

A candidate for the A.L. MVP, Jeter added nine more hits to bring his average to .335. Jeter tossed in a home run, three RBI, two stolen bases, and seven runs scored. Seriously, if you want consistency at the SS position, then look no further.

PITCHING

Zack Greinke (SP), Kansas City Royals

Greinke won both of his starts and allowed only two earned runs in his 17.0 innings where he struck out 20 batters and picked up complete game number six. Remember, last season Greinke posted ERA’s of 2.48 in August and 2.18 in September.

Jonathan Papelbon (RP), Boston Red Sox

Papelbon has been a scary sight to behold in the 9th, but he gets the job done. He closed out three games last week and fanned seven batters in 3.2 innings without allowing a run.

Leo Nunez (RP), Florida Marlins

Nunez converted three saves to give himself 17 this season. Nunez has picked up four straight saves without allowing a run.

David Aardsma (RP), Seattle Mariners

In 4.0 innings, Aardsma struck out five batters while recording three saves. August wasn’t his best month (5.23 ERA), but we can let it slide.

Adam Wainwright (SP), St. Louis Cardinals

Well, barring a September meltdown, Wainwright has pushed himself into a top-five pitcher next season. He cemented his greatness with two wins and a 0.64 ERA in 14.0 innings. The last time Wainwright allowed more than two earned runs in a game was on June 21st.

Why Should I Give a Crap About These Guys?

Barry Zito (SP), San Francisco Giants

Would you believe that Zito has a 1.92 ERA in his last nine starts? Whatever, don’t question it, just enjoy the ride. The Giants will be fighting for the playoffs and Zito won’t be letting up any time soon.

Jonathan Sanchez (SP), San Francisco Giants

Another Giant helping his team surge ahead, Sanchez hasn’t put up the same amazing ERA that Zito has, but he is a more than serviceable option with great strikeout numbers. In fact, since his no-hitter, he has posted a 3.59 ERA and a 10.95 K/9.

J.D. Drew (RF), Boston Red Sox

The move to the bottom of the order is actually helping, as he his hitting .533 with five home runs out of the eighth spot.

Scott Podsednik (LF, CF), Chicago White Sox

Hey, if you need a .300 hitter and you need help with your stolen bases, then grab Podsednik. He has been perfect in August by going 7-7 on stolen bases.

Jason Kendall (C), Milwaukee Brewers

The catcher position is shallow, so if you need to fill your spot, look at the veteran Kendall who is hitting .313 in August.

Sports of Boston Friends and Family League

I pull out another victory by the score of 13-8-3. I officially earned the #1 seed for the playoffs. No big deal.

Besides myself, three other owners are guaranteed playoff spot. One of them being SoB’s Mike.

Discussion

2 comments for “Fantasy Baseball Wrap-Up: Week 21 (8-24 – 8-30)”

And here I was all set to blast you again for your “Zack Greinke owners, beware” post, but I see you owned up on that and ate crow a long time ago. Good for you. We “I told you so” people are thoroughly enjoying ourselves.